Thousands of youths, on Wednesday, took to the major roads of Yenagoa in a solidarity walk in support of the re-election bid of Governor Douye Diri.
The youths from the eight local government areas of the state walked a distance of more than 10 kilometres from the popular Tombia roundabout to the Peace Park opposite the Government House.
A prominent APC youth leader in the state, Gifted Natus, also led scores of defectors to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as part of the re-election walk for the governor.
Speaking on their behallf, Natus said they decided to join Governor Diri’s Prosperity Family because in the last three years under his watch, Bayelsa State has been politically stable and peaceful.
He noted that the leadership of their former party dampened their hopes and aspirations due to lack of direction and failed promises.
He said they can no longer remain in a sinking ship.
Natus also assured the governor that his second term bid was done and dusted, saying they would go to the grassroots to preach the prosperity agenda to those still lost in other parties.
The former APC leader lauded the governor‘s leadership qualities and developmental strides, saying the opposition was having sleepless nights due to his excellent performance.
He said: “We are here in our numbers to join the Prosperity Government because of the exemplary leadership style of the Miracle Governor, his peaceful disposition and because he is spreading prosperity across the eight local government areas of our dear state.
“Since the governor came into power, we have witnessed peace and political stability in the state.
“In the APC, it has been one failed promise after another. We cannot remain under a leadership that lacks direction.
“Come November 11, your re-election for second term is a reality. From here, we are heading to the communities to preach the gospel of prosperity to others.”
Responding, Governor Diri said he was elated when he got calls on the walk endorsing his second term bid, particularly by youths in the opposition who decided to join his party.
Senator Diri thanked them for the solidarity and for coming back home to the PDP, assuring them that all their rights would be fully restored.
The governor urged the youths to always stand for peace, unity and development, stressing that he has a covenant with them to equip them through skills acquisition and capacity building.
Earlier, the State PDP Secretary, Gesiye Isowo, welcomed the defectors and assured them that their political career was secure in the PDP.